The United Kingdom and Ireland will host the 2028 European football championship, with Italy and Turkey picked to co-host the tournament in 2032.

The nations had bid to host the showpiece individually but they later decided to join forced and put up a joint bid.

The two countries presented 20 potential host stadiums out of which 10 will be selected with five from each country.

UEFA made the announcement on their X (formerly known as Twitter) handle.

In an interview with Sky Sport 24 as quoted by Football Italia, Figc President Gravina said it's the perfect time for Italy to host another cultural phenomenon.

"Italy had not organised the final stage of such an important competition since Italia 90," FIGC president Gravina told Sky Sport 24.

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"After 42 years it's the right time to focus all our efforts and prove Italy's organisation. First of all we obtained a significant period to gather ideas, plan and realise (stadiums).

"The date is October 1 2026 meaning we have three years to project and put the foundation stone by March 31, 2027.

"We are not disadvantaged in terms of stadium indications. Three have already been considered positively in the bid.We are still missing two or three stadiums, but we must not just consider five or six venues for this phase.

"We must go beyond and see 2023 as w great opportunity that can offer our country and the world of football a chance to develop and build ideas, culture and infrastructure for our country.

"Football must be a cultural phenomenon that breaks down any barrier. I believe this is one of these opportunities. This event is not only about Italy or Turkey, it concerns the entire Europe. It's about recognising the different traditions and cultures, cancelling any sort of physical distance between the two countries and building bridges."

UEFA also confirmed the UK and Republic of Ireland as hosts of Euro 2028.

Italy won the last Euros tournament (Euro 2020) defeating the Three Lions of England 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at fulltime on July 11 2021 at the Wembley Stadium.

Turkey have never won the Euros but they reached the semi-final stage in 2008 tournament which was hosted by Austria and Switzerland where they were beaten 3-2 by Germany on June 25 at St Jakob Park.

The first edition of the Euros tournament was in 1960 hosted by France. USSR defeating Yugoslavia 2-1 to clinch the maiden trophy on July 10 at the Parc des Princes.

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